TL;DR
- Cori Close leads UCLA to its first NCAA title.
- The team won decisively against South Carolina.
- Close emphasizes selflessness and team connection.
- She shares wisdom from coaching legend John Wooden.
- The victory marks a historic moment for women’s sports.
In a stunning display of teamwork and determination, UCLA’s women’s basketball team has made history by clinching their first NCAA championship title, and the mastermind behind this victory is none other than head coach Cori Close. After a decisive 79-51 win over South Carolina, Close woke up on Monday morning not just as a coach, but as a champion. “I’m not sure I ever would have been able to go to sleep — I still may be a little numb,” she confessed during an interview with “Good Morning America.”
Reflecting on the victory, Close said, “I just keep thinking, and all these faces keep flooding my mind. It’s really about the journey and who I’ve been able to share things with.” This win is not just a trophy; it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, especially the six seniors who scored all the points in the Final Four round. Close noted, “We knew we had a talented roster, but we knew that wasn’t going to be enough. There had to be incredible selflessness and sacrificial selflessness, elite work ethic, and just a relentless competitive spirit.”
In a moment of clarity before the game, she turned to her director of basketball operations and confidently declared, “We got this, we’re going to win this thing.” And win they did, showcasing not just skill, but an unbreakable bond forged through shared sacrifice and commitment. Close emphasized the importance of connectivity among the team, stating, “Three strands that are connected together and woven together cannot easily be broken.”
Throughout the season, Close has instilled a growth mindset in her players, underscoring her commitment to being in the trenches with them. “For them to recognize that I want to be in the trenches with them and grow with them, that really is meaningful,” she said. This philosophy is a reflection of the mentorship she received from the legendary John Wooden, who coached her for 15 years. Wooden’s advice resonates deeply with Close: “It’s not a matter of how I would do it, you’re wired uniquely. You need to teach and coach in a way that you’re uniquely called to do it.”
Wooden’s wisdom extended beyond tactics; he taught her the importance of coaching hearts. “Remember, Cori, you’re not coaching people’s jump shots, you’re coaching people’s hearts,” he would say. And with that, he added, “But if you coach their hearts really well, usually their jump shots end up pretty good too.” This philosophy has clearly paid off, as the Bruins have not only made history but have also inspired countless young athletes, especially women, to pursue their dreams in sports.
As the celebration continues, the impact of this victory will be felt for years to come, not just in UCLA’s history but in the broader narrative of women’s sports. With leaders like Cori Close at the helm, the future looks bright for aspiring athletes everywhere.